The Golden State Warriors are off to a strong start this season with an 8-5 record, but they’ve lost two straight, and an injury to Steph Curry, who was playing at an All-NBA level, has already set them back.

The Warriors have gotten strong contributions from rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, who is averaging 20.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. His play has helped offset the loss of Kristaps Porzingis, who was dealing with health issues and announced that he would be stepping away from basketball for the time being.

The team could be looking elsewhere to help out in the frontcourt, as they are reportedly interested in Jalen Smith of the Chicago Bulls.

NBA Insider Jake Fischer said on “Deals and Dunks” on SiriusXM NBA Radio that the Warriors have contacted the Bulls about Smith and strongly indicated that the Warriors are interested in Smith. He said that Smith was someone “high on Golden State’s list.”

Smith was drafted tenth overall in 2020 by the Phoenix Suns. He was signed by the Bulls in the 2024 offseason. He is averaging 13 points, 7.8 rebounds, and two assists this season while shooting 51% from the field and 34% from three.

He is in the final year of his deal, making $9 million this season before becoming an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.

The Warriors are reportedly looking to trade Porzingis and his $20 million contract, but they would need to attach draft compensation since Porzingis is unlikely to play this year, if ever again. The Warriors likely have no problem attaching some second-round picks to get Smith, but would they be willing to move off a first for a player who may only be there for one season?

They have their own first from now until 2032, and if they are confident in their playoff positioning and Smith’s value, a deal could get done. The Bulls are continuing to rebuild, and though Smith has been good for them this season, he’s not a long-term player for them as an upcoming unrestricted free agent who is behind Nic Claxton and Caleb Wilson on the frontcourt depth chart.

Otherwise, Golden State would have to deal some combination of Will Richard, Gary Payton, and De’Anthony Melton to make the money work. Payton and Melton can’t be traded until December 15.

If the Warriors can get a deal done for Smith, they should take the swing. Draymond Green is logging minutes at the center position right now, as Al Horford is 40 and can’t play the heavy minutes he used to, and Porzingis is absent.

Draymond at the five used to be the Warriors’ way of decimating teams, but those days are long gone and Draymond at the five is now an undersized option without the infrastructure and offense to carry things.